How to Buy Package Bees

There are dozens of package suppliers in the United States -- most of them in states with mild winters in the south. While we prefer swarms, splits and top bar nucleus colonies over packages, here we will discuss the basics of purchasing a package for your top bar hive or Warre hive.

While there are a lot of options, we suggest you consider the following when purchasing a package to populate your new hive:

Local

If you live in an area where there are package suppliers, seek them out first to see if they would be a suitable option. This will minimize the environmental impact of trucking them across the country, as well as provide you with bees that may be better acclimated to your area.

Hygenic

You want bees that are survivors...that is bees that can survive without human intervention with chemicals and treatments. In today's world of Varroa mites, small hive beetles, Nosema, IAPV and other problems, your bees will have the best possible chance if they can take care of themselves. Bees that are genetically disposed to groom themselves and the rest of the hive of mites will have a significant advantage over bees that aren't.

Treatment Free

Determine whether the package supplier is treatment free. While it's not likely that they are, it's a good question to ask. If they do use treatments, learn what treatments they are using and which chemicals are involved, if any. Most top bar hive and Warre hive beekeepers do not treat their hives using any chemicals, and to cut off a colony cold turkey from chemicals upon which they've been relying for years could seal their doom.

Buy Early

Packages can be hard to come by unless you order early. Most suppliers require a 50% deposit fee, and I recommend that you get your order in by January at the latest to ensure there will still be packages in stock.

If you're in the Portland, Oregon metro area, you can buy packages from us!